Tammy’s Safari Adventure: Exploring Kruger and Beyond

A Smooth Start in Johannesburg

Tammy began her journey with a flight from George to Johannesburg, spending the night at Radisson OR Tambo. Just a short drive from the airport, this hotel is an excellent stopover for travelers. With pre-booked transfers, great dining, and a hearty buffet breakfast, it set the tone for the days ahead.

Into Hazyview: Ziplines and Central Comfort

The drive to Hazyview took around 4.5 hours — trucks and roadworks included — but the reward was well worth it. Tammy checked into Perry’s Bridge Hollow, a spacious and well-situated property with easy access to shops, restaurants, and activities. Before settling in, she jumped straight into a zipline adventure: 10 thrilling lines with stunning scenery and expert guides.

Dinner at the on-site KUKA Restaurant was a standout, especially the calamari starter and signature cocktails.

Community and Conservation at Mdluli Safari Lodge

An early start the next morning took Tammy to Mdluli Safari Lodge, a tented-style escape just 20 minutes from Numbi Gate. Beyond its peaceful setting, the lodge carries a powerful story: it’s a 50–50 partnership with the Mdluli Community, uplifting 45,000 members across four villages through jobs, education, infrastructure, and conservation initiatives.

For Tammy, the combination of tranquil safari living and meaningful impact made Mdluli truly special.

Luxury Along the River: Lion Sands

Inside Kruger itself, Tammy explored two of the Lion Sands lodges:

• Tinga Lodge: Boutique in size, intimate in feel, with impeccable service and riverside views.

• Narina Lodge: Her personal favourite. With just nine suites, private plunge pools, and uninterrupted riverfront wildlife action, it offered that rare combination of exclusivity and authenticity. Over lunch on the deck, Tammy watched elephants, giraffes, buffalo, hippos, and even a massive crocodile all in one afternoon — the magic of Kruger at its best.

On the way out, the reality of Kruger’s popularity hit hard: a lion kill viewing shared with ten other vehicles. It was spectacular but also a reminder of why quieter reserves like Madikwe can sometimes feel more intimate.

Exploring Beyond the Bush

From Lisbon Falls and Bourke’s Luck Potholes to the Graskop Gorge Lift & Nature Walk, Tammy ticked off some of the Panorama Route highlights. While not all stops wowed her, the gorge walk stood out, with beautiful trails and adventure options like the swing and zipline.

That night’s stay at Hippo Hollow Country Estate felt like a refreshing change — riverside dining, modernising rooms, and even the chance to spot hippos grazing at dusk.

Gentle Giants and Refined Stays

The following morning delivered one of the most humbling experiences of all: an elephant interaction at Elephant Whispers, just across the river from Hippo Hollow. It was unforgettable, the kind of activity Tammy would happily recommend to clients seeking meaningful wildlife encounters.

Her day continued with site visits to refined stays outside the park:

• Nutgrove Manor: A century-old property with individually designed rooms, lush gardens, solar power, and a treehouse-style spa.

• Oliver’s Lodge: Elegant, homely, and perfect for refined travellers. The food impressed Tammy most of all — a gourmet snack menu at prices that felt almost too good to be true.

• Casterbridge Hollow Boutique Hotel: Spacious and central, with easy access to lifestyle shops, restaurants, and even a motor museum.

Tammy’s Takeaway

From thrilling ziplines and luxury lodges to community-driven conservation and elephant encounters, this trip was as enriching as it was inspiring. Tammy returned with deeper insight into which properties and experiences best suit our clients — whether you’re after intimate luxury, family-friendly stays, or something with a meaningful social impact.

At Checkout Travel, we know the best recommendations come from lived experiences. Thanks to Tammy’s journey, we’re even more equipped to design the safari escape you’ve been dreaming of.

✨ Thinking about your own Kruger adventure? Let us help you plan a journey that’s as unforgettable as Tammy’s — and tailor-made just for you.